New Zealand’s defense minister holds talks with Ukrainian counterpart Reznikov
Peeni Henare (Photo:REUTERS/Caroline Chia)
New Zealand Defense Minister Peeni Henare is visiting Kyiv to reaffirm support for Ukraine amid Russia’s full-scale invasion and war, Reuters reported on Nov. 20, quoting a New Zealand Defense Ministry statement.
“We discussed New Zealand’s recent extension of the infantry training support mission in the UK for Ukrainian troops out to July 2023,” Henare said in the statement, which was issued after he held talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Oleksiy Reznikov.
“Visiting Kyiv sends a strong message that ... our support for the Ukrainian defensive effort against Russia’s illegal invasion is unwavering,” Henare said.
New Zealand last week said it would send a further 66 defense personnel to Britain to help train Ukrainian soldiers.
Since Russia’s attack on Ukraine, New Zealand has sanctioned over 1,200 Russian individuals and entities. It has also provided over NZ$60 million ($37 million) in assistance.
Henare’s visit is the second one by a top-level foreign official in the last 24 hours, following the visit by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Nov. 19.
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